December31, 2005: The latest bomb disposal robot is a modified remote control dump truck. Called a “BomBot,” the vehicle is equipped with a vidcam that can move independently, a custom control unit that can make the truck move more precisely and a longer range of operation. Basic drill for a BomBot it to approach (at speeds of up to (at speeds of up to 15 meters a second) a potential bomb, check it out via the vidcam, and then activate the rear part of the truck to dump a small, remote control, explosive next to the IED, and move away. The explosive is detonated, destroying the IED. The BomBots cost about $32,000 each (mostly for R&D and developing the custom components), and about 300 of them are being built for overseas service.